Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been charged before a Nairobi court with multiple corruption-related offences stemming from alleged illegal financial dealings.
Appearing before Milimani Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate Charles Ondieki on Tuesday May 20, 2025, Natembeya pleaded not guilty on three counts, including conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property, contrary to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
According to the prosecution, between January 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025, while serving as Governor, Natembeya knowingly acquired indirect pecuniary interests totaling over Ksh3.2 million through various companies that conducted business with the Trans Nzoia County Government.
The entities mentioned include Lyma Agro Science Limited, Maira Stores, and Easterly Winds Limited.
The court was informed that his co-accused, Emmanuel Wafula Masungo, the Chief Finance Officer of Trans Nzoia County was not present for plea taking.
Masungo faces similar charges of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public funds amounting to Ksh2.68 million.
He is alleged to have channeled county payments through Easterly Winds Limited, a company in which he has an interest and is the sole signatory to its bank account.
In count one, Governor Natembeya is accused of receiving Ksh1,127,900 from Mercy Chelongat, the Director of Lyma Agro Science Limited and proprietor of Maira Stores.
In a second count, he is further accused of indirectly benefiting from Ksh2.1 million through Masungo.
Masungo is separately alleged to have unlawfully acquired public funds through the company under his control.
Both Natembeya and Masungo jointly face two additional charges involving the unlawful acquisition of public property, with the prosecution citing abuse of office and conflict of interest.
Governor Natembeya has denied all charges against him by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The DPP through State Counsel Victor Owiti has urged the court to deny the governor bail, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
